The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced that May 30, long marked as Biafra Remembrance Day, will now be known and celebrated as Igbo Heroes Day.
This was made known in a statement issued by the group’s Deputy National President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and shared with journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday.
According to Isiguzoro, the decision to rename the day is not just symbolic, but strategic. He said it is a way of recognising “the bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who paid the ultimate price for our collective freedom.”
He explained that the new name creates room for greater public acceptance, especially among political leaders in the South East. “By renaming Biafra Remembrance Day to Igbo Heroes Day, we strategically shift the narrative, ensuring a safer environment that invites the consideration of South East political leaders, particularly our governors, to recognize this day as an official public holiday,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze also used the opportunity to caution against the usual sit-at-home orders that have characterised past commemorations.
With the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) currently ongoing, the group said it would be unwise to disrupt students’ academic activities.
“We implore our community to embrace a spirit of voluntary celebration rather than mandatory observance that disrupts educational, economic, social, and religious activities,” Isiguzoro stated.
He continued: “The Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stands resolute in its commitment to honour the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of our fallen heroes who valiantly defended our identity during the Biafra conflict.
“In recognition of these sacrifices, May 30th—historically observed as Biafra Remembrance Day—will now be celebrated as Igbo Heroes Day, and this designation acknowledges the bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment of those who paid the ultimate price for our collective freedom.”
The group also made a firm call for peace, urging an end to all forms of violence and activities that could provoke confrontations with law enforcement.
“We hereby advocate for a celebration that is voluntary in nature and call for the cancellation of any enforced sit-at-home directives or other actions that may adversely affect the legitimate activities of the Igbo populace.
“We appeal for a cessation of violence that may incite confrontation with law enforcement, recognizing that such actions only lead to further strife and retaliation against innocent civilians,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze concluded by encouraging Igbos to reflect not just on the sacrifices of the past but also on the kind of future the region wants to build.
“In this pivotal moment, let us work together to honor our heroes while fostering a peaceful and progressive society, and as we reflect on our past, let us also cast our gaze to the future, ensuring that the actions we take in remembrance empower rather than endanger our community.”
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